BBC is ‘too Christian’ and ‘could broadcast Muslim prayers’ to reflect growing multi-culturalism

From the Telegraph and the Sunday Times

The BBC’s religious output is too Christian, an internal review by the Corporation has concluded, opening the way for more programmes on other faiths.

A report by Aaqil Ahmed, the BBC’s head of religion and ethics, has suggested Muslim, Hindu and Sikh faiths should get more airtime. This was bound to happen – I’m only surprised he bided his time so long, but Muslims do play the long game. 

One Muslim leader suggested the review could lead to Friday prayers from a mosque being broadcast in the same way that Christian church services currently feature in the BBC’s schedules. . . Ibrahim Mogra, of the Muslim Council of Britain, said the BBC could televise Friday prayers from a mosque, extend coverage of Eid and show children attending madrasahs after school for Koranic instruction.

Asked whether greater coverage of other faiths could lead to cuts in Christian coverage, the spokesman said it was too early to say which programmes were safe but added that Songs of Praise, would be secure.

Mr Ahmed’s appointment in 2009 was controversial because of allegations he had shown a pro-Islam bias in his previous role at Channel 4.

The former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey gave the prospect of increased coverage of other faiths a “guarded welcome”.

He warned: “I don’t think our liberal establishment appreciates what Christianity has done for the nation, and how much of a bedrock it is for democracy and the values we believe in. There is a real feeling by Christians of being let down by the Establishment. Christianity is fighting for its life in western countries.”

The BBC’s religious coverage is much shorter than it was in my youth, and rather dumbed down.